International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 9 Number 1 - Mar 2014
Comparative Study of Pre Engineered and
Conventional Industrial Building
Pradeep V1, Papa Rao G2
1
MTech Student, 2Associate Professor
Civil Engineering Department, GVPCOE, VSKP, AP, INDIA
ABSTRACT
Long span, Column free structures are the most essential in
any type of industrial structures and Pre Engineered
Buildings (PEB) fulfil this requirement along with reduced
time and cost as compared to conventional structures. This
methodology is versatile not only due to its quality pre-
designing and prefabrication, but also due to its light weight
and economical construction. The present work presents the
comparative study and design of conventional steel frames
with concrete columns and steel columns and Pre
Engineered Buildings (PEB). In this work, an industrial
building of length 44m and width 20m with roofing system
as conventional steel truss and pre-engineered steel truss is
analyzed and designed by using STAAD Pro V8i.
Keywords: Pre-Engineered Building, Staad.Pro, Tapered
Section.
I. INTRODUCTION
India has the second fastest growing economy in the world and a
lot of it, is attributed to its construction industry which figures
just next to agriculture in its economic contribution to the nation.
In its steadfast development, the construction industry has
discovered, invented and developed a number of technologies,
systems and products, one of them being the concept of Pre-
engineered Buildings (PEBs). As opposed to being on-site
fabricated, PEBs are delivered as a complete finished product to
the site from a single supplier with a basic structural steel
framework with attached factory finished cladding and roofing
components. The structure is erected on the site by bolting the
various building components together as per specifications. PEBs
are developed using potential design software. The onset of
technological advancement enabling 3d modelling and detailing
of the proposed structure and coordination has revolutionized
Conventional building construction. Pre-Engineered Buildings
(PEB) is the future for India. Most of the Indian business
community is just started
ISSN: 2231-5381 http://www.ijettjournal.org
to realize the benefits of PEB’s. Where you have been
building with concrete for as long as anyone can remember, it
is difficult to change. However India’s most progressive
companies are seeing the benefits of PEB’s.
II. METHODOLOGY
In the present study an Industrial steel structure with
Conventional steel structure with concrete columns,
Conventional steel structure with steel columns and 3.Pre-
Engineered structure are considered for the analysis, design
using Staad.Pro V8i. Conventional Steel Building of length
20 m and span 44 m. Bay lengths are maintained at an
interval of 4 m along length. The height of the truss is taken
as a minimum pitch that is 1/5th of span. So slope of roof is
taken as 21.8˚and covered with GI sheet. The spacing of
purlins is maintained as 1.35 m. The eave height of the
building has been taken as 5.5 m in which 3 m from ground
level is used for brick work and remaining 2.5 m is used for
cladding. Pre Engineered Steel Building of length 20 m and
span 44 m. Bay lengths are maintained at an interval of 4 m
along length. For this structure from general practice slope of
the roof is taken as 5.71˚. The spacing of purlins is
maintained as 1.26 m. The eave height of the building has
been taken as 5.5 m in which 3 m from ground level is used
for brick work and remaining 2.5 m is used as cladding.
A. Pre Engineered Buildings
Pre-Engineered Building concept involves the steel building
systems which are predesigned and prefabricated. As the
name indicates, this concept involves pre-engineering of
structural elements using a predetermined registry of building
materials and manufacturing techniques that can be
proficiently complied with a wide range of structural and
aesthetic design requirements. The basis of the PEB concept
lies in providing the section at a location only according to
the requirement at that spot. The sections can be varying
throughout the length according to the bending moment
Page 1
 International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 9 Number 1 - Mar 2014
diagram. This leads to the utilization of non-prismatic rigid
frames with slender elements. Tapered I sections made with
built-up thin plates are used to achieve this configuration.
Standard hot-rolled sections, cold-formed sections, profiled
roofing sheets, etc. is also used along with the tapered
sections. The use of optimal least section leads to effective
saving of steel and cost reduction. The typical PEB frame of
the structure is as shown in the Figure.
Fig.1 Single Frame of a Pre Engineered Building
B. Conventional Steel Buildings
Conventional steel buildings (CSB) are low rise steel
structures with roofing systems of truss with roof coverings.
Various types of roof trusses can be used for these structures
depending upon the pitch of the truss. For large pitch, Fink
type truss can be used; for medium pitch, Pratt type truss can
be used and for small pitch, Howe type truss can be used.
Skylight can be provided for day lighting and for more day
lighting, quadrangular type truss can be used. The selection
criterion of roof truss also includes the slope of the roof,
fabrication and transportation methods, aesthetics, climatic
conditions, etc. Several compound and combination type of
economical roof trusses can also be selected depending upon
the utility. Standard hot-rolled sections are usually used for
the truss elements along with gusset plates. The CSB frame
of the structure considered in the study is as shown in Figure.
ISSN: 2231-5381 http://www.ijettjournal.org
Fig.2 Single Frame of a Conventional Steel Building
III. ADVANTAGES OF PEB
Following are some of the advantages Pre-
Engineered Building Structures:
a) Buildings are generally constructed in just 6 to 8 weeks
after approval of drawings. PEB will thus reduce total
construction time of the project by at least 30%. This allows
faster occupancy and earlier realization of revenue.
b) Because of systems approach, considerable saving is
achieved in design, manufacturing and erection cost.
c) These can be easily expanded in length by adding
additional bays. Also expansion in width and height is
possible by pre designing for future expansion.
d) Buildings can be supplied to around 90m clear spans. This
is one of the most important advantages of PEB giving
column free space.
e) Buildings are manufactured completely in the factory under
controlled conditions, and hence the quality can be assured.
f) PEB Buildings have high quality paint systems for cladding
and steel to suit ambient conditions at the site, which in turn
gives long durability and low maintenance coats.
g) Buildings are supplied with polyurethane insulated panels
or fibre glass blankets insulation to achieve required “U”
values (overall heat transfer coefficient).
h) Steel members are brought to site in CKD conditions,
thereby avoiding cutting and welding at site. As PEB sections
are lighter in weight, the small members can be very easily
assembled, bolted and raised with the help of cranes. This
allows very fast construction and reduces wastage and labour
requirement.
Page 2
 International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 9 Number 1 - Mar 2014

Spacing of the purlin = 1.35 m

TABLE I
Structure Parameters Total weight on purlins = 0.256 × 1.35 = 0.345 kN/m

Type of building Industrial building Dead Load on Pre-Engineered Building:

Weight of the G.I sheeting = 0.131 kN/m2

Type of structure single storey industrial structure
Weight of fixings = 0.025 kN/m2

Location Visakhapatnam Weight of services = 0.1 kN/m2

Area of building 880 m2 Total weight is = 0.256 kN/m2

Eave height 5.5m
Total weight on purlins = 0.256 × 1.26 = 0.322

Span width 20m kN/m D. Live Load

The Live load is calculated according to IS: 875 (Part 2) –

Number of bays 11 No’s 1987 [16].

Single bay length 4m Live Load on Conventional Steel Building:

Total bay length 44m Live load on the sloping roof is = 750 – 20(α -10) N/m2

Where α = 21.8˚, Therefore live load = 0.514 kN/m2

Support condition (CSB) fixed
Live load on purlins = 0.514 × 1.35 = 0.9179 kN/m

Live Load on Pre-Engineered Building:

Support condition (PEB) pinned
Live load on purlins = 0.836 kN/m2

PEB roof slope 5.710 Therefore live load on purlins at 1.26 spacing

CSB roof slope 21.80 = 0.836 × 1.26 = 1.05 kN/m

E. Earthquake Load
IV. LOAD CALCULATIONS
Earthquake loads are calculated as per IS: 1893-2000 [17].
C. Dead Load
Earthquake Load on Conventional Steel Building:
Dead load is calculated According to IS: 875 (Part 1) –
Dead load = 0.256 kN/m2
1987[15].
Live load = 0.128 kN/m2 (25٪ of reduction as per IS 1893-
Dead Load on Conventional Steel Building:
2002)
Weight of the G.I sheeting = 0.131 kN/m2
Total load = DL+LL = 0.384 kN/m2
Weight of fixings = 0.025 kN/m2
Bay width of the building is 4 m
Weight of services = 0.1 kN/m2
Therefore earthquake load on rafter = 0.384 × 4 = 1.538
Total weight = 0.256 kN/m2 kN/m.

ISSN: 2231-5381 http://www.ijettjournal.org Page 3

 International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 9 Number 1 - Mar 2014

Earthquake Load on Pre-Engineered Building: VI. RESULTS

Dead load = 0.256 kN/m2

Live load = 0.209 kN/m2 (25٪ of reduction as per is 1893-

2002)

Total load = 0.465 kN/m2

Bay width of the building is 4 m

Therefore earthquake load on rafter = 0.444 × 4 = 1.86 kN/m.

F. Wind Load

Wind load is calculated as per IS: 875 (Part 3) – 1987

Basic Wind speed Vb = 50 m/sec Fig.3 Bending moments and Reactions at Supports

Risk Coefficient K1 = 1

Terrain, Height and Structure size factor K2 = 1

Topography factor K3 = 1

Design Wind Speed Vz = VbK1K2K3 = 50 m/sec

Design Wind Pressure P = 0.06 Vz2 = 1.5 kN/m2

The Internal Coefficients are taken as +0.5 and -0.5. Wind

Load on individual members are then calculated by

F = (Cpe – Cpi) x A x P

Where, Cpe – External Coefficient

Cpi – Internal Coefficient

Fig.4 Bending moments and Reactions in Columns
2
A – Surface Area in m

P – Design Wind Pressure in kN/m2

V. STAAD PRO PROCEDURE

In the present study, Staad Pro software has been used in

order to analyse and design Pre Engineered Structures and
Conventional Steel Structure. It gives the Bending moment,
Shear Forces, Axial Forces, Torsion, Beam Structures of a
steel structure so that the design can be done using Tapered
Sections and check for safety in Pre Engineered Buildings.

Fig.5 Bending moments and Reactions in Rafters

ISSN: 2231-5381 http://www.ijettjournal.org Page 4

 International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 9 Number 1 - Mar 2014

QUANTITY (Tonnes)
120
100
80
60
40
20
Fig.6 Bending moments and Reactions at mid-span of Rafters 0

VII. DISCUSSION

 After Analyzing, at different load cases it is observed

Fig.7 Bending moments and Reactions at end of Rafters
Fig.8 Bending moments and Reactions at Ridge Portion
TABLE II
QUANTITY OF STEEL UTILIZED FOR THE STRUCTURE
CSB with Concrete Columns
CSB with Steel Columns
Pre-Engineered Building
that the Axial force at supports in PEB (43.487 kN)
is less when compared to that in CSB with concrete
columns and steel columns (37.814 kN & 64.054
kN). Shear force at supports in PEB (178.708 kN) is
less when compared to that in CSB with concrete
columns and steel columns (226.003 kN & 186.14
kN). The Bending Moments at supports in PEB is
negligible when compared to that in CSB with
concrete columns and steel columns (151.955 kN &
171.955 kN).
 In Columns, the Axial force in PEB (178.708 kN) is
less when compared to that in CSB with concrete
columns and steel columns (225.995 kN & 186.134
kN). Shear force in PEB (44.832 kN) is less when
compared to that in CSB with concrete columns and
steel columns (47.534 kN & 64.248 kN). The
Bending Moments in PEB (354.358 kN) is more due
to its light weight structure (Tapered Sections) when
compared to that in CSB with concrete columns and
 steel columns (232.72 kN & 163.382 kN).
 In Rafters, the Axial force in PEB (53.048 kN) is
less when compared to that in CSB with concrete
92.663 Tonnes columns and steel columns (135.625 kN & 128.426
kN). Shear force in PEB (110.039 kN) is less when
101.553 Tonnes
compared to that in CSB with concrete columns and
steel columns (16.015 kN & 16.224 kN). The
75.645 Tonnes
Bending Moments in PEB (252.821 kN) is more due

ISSN: 2231-5381 http://www.ijettjournal.org Page 5

 International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 9 Number 1 - Mar 2014
to its light weight structure (Purlins & Rafters) when
compared to that in CSB with concrete columns and
steel columns (9.94 kN & 14.544 kN).
 In Rafters at mid-span, the Axial force in PEB
(46.794 kN) is less when compared to that in CSB
with concrete columns and steel columns (135.335
kN & 178.16 kN). Shear force in PEB (59.685 kN)
is more when compared to that in CSB with concrete
columns and steel columns (1.426 kN & 1.61 kN).
The Bending Moments in PEB (154.293 kN) is more
due to its light weight structure (Tapered Sections)
when compared to that in CSB with concrete
 columns and steel columns (1.447 kN & 1.959 kN).
 In Rafters at Ends, the Axial force in PEB (34.226
kN) is less when compared to that in CSB with
concrete columns and steel columns (121.66 kN &
160.158 kN). Shear force in PEB (110.039 kN) is
less when compared to that in CSB with concrete
columns and steel columns (9.129 kN & 10.306 kN).
The Bending Moments in PEB (252.821 kN) is more
when compared to that in CSB with concrete
 columns and steel columns (9.94 kN & 13.456 kN).
 In Rafters at Ridge portion, the Axial force in PEB
(52.435 kN) is less when compared to that in CSB
with concrete columns and steel columns (102.817
kN & 135.352 kN). Shear force in PEB (41.016 kN)
is less when compared to that in CSB with concrete
columns and steel columns (12.567 kN & 14.187
kN). The Bending Moments in PEB (166.829 kN) is
more when compared to that in CSB with concrete
columns and steel columns (2.993 kN & 4.052 kN).
VIII. CONCLUSION
This paper effectively conveys that PEB structures can be easily
designed by simple design procedures in accordance with
country standards. Low weight flexible frames of PEB offer
higher resistance to earthquake loads. PEB roof structure is
almost 26% lighter than Conventional Steel Building. In
secondary members, light weight “Z” purlins are used for PEB
structure, whereas heavier hot-rolled sections are used for CSB.
Support reactions for PEB are lesser than CSB as per analysis.
Light weight foundation can be adopted for PEB which leads to
simplicity in design and reduction in cost of construction of
foundation. Heavy foundation will be required for CSB structure.
PEB building cost is 30% lesser than the cost of CSB structure.
PEB offers low cost, strength, durability, design flexibility,
adaptability and recyclability. To conclude “Pre-Engineered
Building construction gives end
ISSN: 2231-5381 http://www.ijettjournal.org
users a much more economical and better solution for long
span structures where large column free areas are needed.
REFERENCES
[1] Aijaz Ahmad Zende, Prof. A. V. Kulkarni, Aslam Hutagia,
“Comparative Study of Analysis and Design of Pre-Engineered-
Buildings and Conventional Frames”, IOSR journal of mechanical
and civil engineering, Volume 5, Issue 1, Jan.- Feb. 2013, pp 32-
43.
[2] Bhavikatti S.S, “Design of steel structures by limit state method as
per IS 800-2007”, I.K.International publishing house Pvt.Ltd. New
Delhi, (2010).
[3] Darshana P.Zoad, “Evaluation of Pre-Engineering Structure
Design by IS-800 as against Pre-Engineering Structure Design by
AISC”, International Journal of Engineering Research and
technology (IJERT), Volume-1, issue 5, July 2012.
[4] Duggal S.K, “Limit State Design of steel Structural” Tata
McGraw Hill education private limited, New Delhi, (2010).
[5] Jatin D.Thakar, P.G. Patel, “Comparative Study Of Pre-
Engineered Steel Structure by varying width of Structure”,
International Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology,
Volume IV, Issue III, Sept 2013, pp 56-62.
[6] Meera C.M, “Pre-Engineered Building Design of an Industrial
Warehouse”, International journal of Engineering Sciences and
Emerging Technologies, Volume 5, Issue 2, June – 2013, pp: 75-
82.
[7] Parth Thakker “Conventional steel buildings v/s Pre-engineered
buildings”.
[8] Shiyekar. M.R, “Limit State Design in Structural Steel”, PHI
learning private limited, New Delhi (2011).
[9] Subramanian. N, “Pre- Engineered buildings selection of framing
system, roofing and wall materials” The Master builder, July,
2008, pp 48-62.
[10] Subramanian N, “Design of steel structures”, Oxford higher
education, Chennai (2008).
[11] Syed Firoz et al, “Design concept of Pre Engineered Building”,
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications
(IJERA), Vol. 2, Issue 2, April 2012, pp.267-272.
[12] Vrushali Bahadure, R.V.R.K.Prasad “Comparison between Design
and Analysis of various Configuration of Industrial Sheds”,
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications
(IJERA), Vol. 3, Issue 1, Jan.-Feb 2013, pp: 1565-1568.
[13] Zamil steel, “Technical Manual” January 1999.
[14] IS 800, “General construct in steel – code of practice” Bureau of
Indian standards, New Delhi, (2007).
[15] IS 875 (part 1) “Code of practice for design loads (other than
earthquake) for building and structures”, dead loads, New Delhi,
1987.
[16] IS 875 (part 2) “Code of practice for design loads (other than
earthquake) for building and structures”, Imposed loads, New Delhi,
1987.
[17] IS 875 (part 3) “Code of practice for design loads (other than
earthquake) for building and structures”, wind loads, New Delhi, 1987.
Page 6